The UN's International Labour Organization adopted the first binding employment standards for gig workers, potentially granting rights on pay, safety, and social benefits. The convention aims to extend protections to an estimated 435 million online gig workers globally.
This treaty marks a significant step towards establishing global labor standards for the growing gig economy, potentially impacting millions of workers and the business models of digital platforms worldwide.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the first binding employment standards for gig workers, potentially granting rights on pay, safety, and social benefits. The convention, agreed upon at the 114th annual International Labour Conference in Geneva, aims to extend labor protections to an estimated 435 million online gig workers globally.
Central to the agreement is ensuring that platforms can no longer classify workers as independent contractors to sidestep minimum wage requirements and obligations such as healthcare, sick leave, and social security contributions. The World Bank estimates the number of app-based gig workers globally ranges between 154 million and 435 million people.
U.S. representative Lorenzo Riboni stated that the U.S. did not support a prescriptive binding convention in fast-evolving areas of the economy, arguing that rigid rules could hinder innovation. Rights groups like Human Rights Watch and trade unions have highlighted that the widespread classification of workers as independent contractors allows companies to avoid paying minimum wage and providing benefits.
Amanda Brown, vice chair of the ILO's Workers' Group, called the deal a landmark moment for platform workers worldwide and a response to years of documented abuse and exploitation. The convention also mandates that platforms disclose how automated systems affect workers and sets international rules concerning algorithmic management. While the ILO has no enforcement power, member states can submit complaints, and if a country ratifies and implements the convention into national law, individuals may be able to take platform economy companies to court.